A Time to Choose

By Evelyn Wheeler Towler

Josh OConner, Kent Walters, Patsy and Penny Holt, and Eleanor Marlowe find themselves required to make choices between traditional beliefs and radical new trends in American life. The nation is in the throes of a depression, and there is a great divide among its people between the wealthy and the soup kitchen dependents. The youth of that generation find themselves searching for direction, and each must find his own way.

However, these young people have the advantage of godly families and biblical counsel. When disaster strikes, the Holt twins and Kent find that God is real and in everything. They find that He can be trusted with their very lives. Eleanor Marlowe, after a rebellious, unsatisfying search, finds a reason for living in carrying on the family tradition of service to those less fortunate than she. And Josh meets the girl of his dreams as he serves the Lord in counseling youth.

For those who were young in the thirties, this story will be a nostalgic journey. For young people to whom the thirties are the olden days, they will find that these young people are much like themselves. For everyone, the story will present anew the challenges of faith in our day.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Aug 10, 2011
• ISBN: 9781449717735

Evelyn Wheeler Towler

A native of Michigan, Evelyn Wheeler Towler grew up in Dunedin, Florida, where she now lives in retirement. She spent forty years in Christian education, public school, youth work, and writing lessons for Alpha Omega Publishing Company. She now spends time enjoying her hobby of creative writing and doing volunteer work.

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Copyright © 2011 Evelyn Wheeler Towler

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

ISBN: 978-1-4497-1774-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-1775-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-1773-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011929063

Printed in the United States of America

WestBow Press rev. date: 8/08/2011

In memory of

Ellen

Whose spirit soared even though

her body was earthbound

in a wheelchair.

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and

lean not unto thine own understanding. In

all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall

direct thy paths."

Contents

Acknowledgments

Foreword

Preface

Introduction

Chapter One

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

About the Author

Acknowledgments

Without the encouragement and assistance of good friends, I would never have tried to publish! God has been so generous to me in providing those who share my desire to produce challenging Christian fiction for readers of all ages.

There are more of such friends than I can name here, and I am grateful for each one. Among them are Sherry and Randy, who have given me great encouragement and support. I must also mention Fran (age 104!) and her son Scott, and my sister-in-law Betty, who are all great prayer warriors.

Dean Dalton, a longtime friend, took the time to not only read my manuscripts, but to offer me wise and thoughtful suggestions along with his prayer support.

Thanks to Bob Munce for his time and good advice.

I am far from competent on the computer, so strategic assistance came from Sheila, Jim and Sarah, while Jerome and Amanda of Westbow Press offered needed guidance in answering my many questions.

Most important of all, I thank the Lord Jesus Christ, my Creator and Savior, for His faithfulness and without Whom I could have done nothing!

Foreword

For those of us who experienced childhood and youth in the 20’s and 30’s, and came through the hardships of the Great Depression, A Time to Choose will prompt nostalgia for what seems like a distant age.

It is the third book of a trilogy, and while it stands alone, it also completes a journey begun in Under Sheltering Wings and The Road to Home, all written by my friend, Evelyn Wheeler Towler.

With the insight, experience and skill of a gifted teacher and author, these fictional stories come to life. They reveal the truth that each generation builds on the strengths of previous ones as they find new challenges to be overcome.

From a life invested in the education and training of children and youth from a Biblical perspective, Evelyn shares from a storehouse of wisdom and insight. Whatever the issue, be it family relationships, social change, economic uncertainty, disappointment, romance or one’s faith; all come into sharp focus and fulfillment under the gracious Hand of God.

Young or older, you will be enriched as you read of changed lives in these stories. Enjoy!

Dean A. Dalton, Vice President (ret.’76)

Gospel Light Publications

Preface

If you have read Under Sheltering Wings and The Road to Home, you will greet many of the characters in A Time to Choose as old friends. Others you will meet for the first time.

You will now join them in the 1930’s, having put the ‘Great War’ behind them, and a new generation has made its appearance. America in the 30’s is grappling with new ideas and is being forced to make choices between traditional beliefs and radical new trends in society. The nation is in the throes of a depression, and there exists a great divide among its people – between the idle, powerful wealthy and the weary soup kitchen dependents. Each individual young person is searching for the right path in which to direct his or her own life, and often the choices are not easy.

While still not aware that the Great War was not the ‘war to end all wars’ (as they had been told), the youth of the thirties are tasting the excitement of new inventions, exploring the unknown skies, and looking for something real to satisfy their souls. They are often bored with life, not knowing that the challenges of the next decade will demand from them every ounce of character that they possess.

So if you are one of those who were young in the thirties, you will enjoy a nostalgic journey. And for those of you for whom the thirties were the ‘olden days’, you will find that these young people are much like you. I hope you will find yourself in these pages!

Introduction

In A TIME TO CHOOSE you will meet the following families:

The WHEATONS

Dr. Rosina Wheaton – President of Birch Lake Academy

Celia Marie and Barbara Wheaton – daughters of Daniel (deceased) and Dr. Rosina Wheaton

Members of Dr. Wheaton’s family – the Huebners

Beth – close friend and nanny to the Wheaton daughters

Grandpa and Grandma Wheaton – lifetime residents of Charlotte, Michigan

The MARLOWES

Daniel Marlowe – President of Underhill Associates, with home offices in Charlotte, Michigan

Christy Marlowe – Mother of Daniel and widow of Matthew

Josie Marlowe – Daniel’s wife and adopted daughter of Christy and Matthew

Joseph and Ruthie Marlowe – Matthew’s brother and his wife

Eleanor Marlowe – Daughter of Daniel and Josie

Robert Marlowe – Son of Daniel and Josie

Billy O’Conner – Adopted son of Joseph and Ruthie Marlowe

Joshua O’Conner – Son of Billy O’Conner; owner of an aircraft business and youth director in a small church near Charlotte

Julie Anderson – Daughter of Christy and Matthew Marlowe

Sigmund Anderson – Pastor of Redeemer Chapel and husband of Julie

The HOLTS and Friends

John Holt – Owner and craftsman of Holt-Waggoner Metal Works

Louise Holt – John’s wife and daughter of Albert and Katherine Waggoner

Penny and Patsy Holt – Twin daughters of John and Louise

Mary Ann and Gordon Walters – Neighbors and lifelong friends of Louise Holt

Kent Walters – Son of Mary Ann and Gordon

Chapter One

Everyone who saw them said the same thing: They’re as alike as two peas in a pod! In fact they heard it so often that when they were three they turned it into a little chant and could be heard around the house singing, Two peas in a pod, Two peas in a pod! Of course they weren’t quite sure what the phrase meant, but it made a good song! And one day Penny asked, Mama, what is a pod? and Patsy echoed, What’s a pod? Louise showed them a pod full of peas, but their only response was, Do we look like those? and their mother gave up. However, they kept singing their little song. At their age, songs didn’t need to make sense!

If one were to judge strictly by looking at them, they did seem to be identical twins. The observer could not be blamed if he blinked at first and thought he was seeing double. Little inquisitive faces were framed by bright sunny curls. Their chubby little bodies appeared to be equipped with the machinery of perpetual motion. And where you saw one you always saw the other. The house was never silent after they arrived, and the childish voices were very welcome in a home where any hopes of such sounds had been despaired of long ago.

Louise had longed for children, and she and her husband were equally disappointed when they celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary without any hope of having a family. The delightful surprise of the twins’ coming had changed their lives and given their marriage new purpose and meaning.

As far as the twins were concerned, it seemed from the moment they opened their eyes that the air about them was full of excitement. Of course at first this excitement took the form of a new world full of love and snuggles, very satisfying to two little girls who thrived on attention. They soon learned that by laughing and gurgling and always reaching out for more, their wishes were immediately granted. Some might have said they were badly spoiled but to this their doting parents turned a deaf ear. They had waited so long to have children whom they could spoil that they completely ignored such criticism. So they showered their love liberally on these two little gifts from heaven. And as Penny and Patsy grew, they came to rule the household with their childish laughter and loving hugs, and their parents were their willing subjects.

In the town of Little Rapids, in southern Michigan, John Holt owned a prosperous business. It had not always been so. A little less than ten years ago, an immigrant in his middle twenties, he had drifted into the small town, saddled with a German name, a deep resentment against a cruel father, and a heavy accent to match his name. But before he hit town, he had already decided to shed one liability – his name – and make a superhuman effort to erase the other. He knew it was possible to learn to talk like an American because his little sister had already proved it could be done. He was confident that without those two strikes against him he could be a success in this great country, now his chosen home.

However, he had little experience at anything except farming and lumbering and he had had enough of both of those. He reasoned that certainly there must be something better to be had with the whole world from which to choose. He would look for an occupation that would not only provide his material needs but would also satisfy his soul. So, hands in pockets and cap perching rakishly on the back of his head, he sauntered down the street whistling softly to himself as his eyes darted from side to side. He had a feeling that there was something here just waiting for him. As he unhurriedly made his way he had no idea what an alluring picture of young manhood he presented, nor did he know that several pairs of feminine eyes watched him curiously. For the owners of those eyes, he was unconsciously turning a heretofore uninteresting village street into a highly attractive thoroughfare.

Suddenly his attention was drawn to a storefront bearing a sign, Waggoner Metal Works. The display window boasted an intriguing group of toys – all metal and brightly painted. His mind leaped back in time to a small boy who had treasured just such toys and who had, even as a young man, been loathe to leave them behind. Nostalgia almost overwhelmed him as he gazed, spellbound, at the window. He drew closer to examine them even more carefully.

As he stood, eyes glued to the collection, he had no idea that he was being just as minutely examined by a pair of eyes hidden behind the curtain. Time had come to a standstill for him and a prickle at the back of his neck signaled the message he had been hoping for. It seemed to say, You don’t need to look any further. This is where you’ll find your future!

He remembered his grandmother telling him, Son, God has something good for you. Someday you will find it. Then she would always add, And when you do, don’t forget to tell Glod ‘thank you’. His grandmother was convinced that God was in charge of everything and everyone. John was not so sure, but he always smiled and replied, Yah, Grossmutter, I hear you.

Now her admonition reminded him. "Danke, God, if you’re really there to hear me say it." Now he had cleared his conscience. Now he could enjoy his new discovery. But in his elation he somehow still had a feeling of emptiness. Was God really pleased with him? He wished he knew! Maybe there was still something he needed to find. Was it here?

He yanked off his cap, loosing a mop of blonde curls, stuck it in his pocket and opened the shop door. The watching pair of eyes turned out to belong to a young woman of about his age who seemed to be the lone shop keeper. They peered at him out of a piquant face framed by hair as dark as his was bright, and the two young people gazed at each other with a sense of sudden recognition. She was the first to speak.

Can I help you, sir? she asked. Did you come to apply for the job?

Job? What job? Momentarily, he realized he had missed something. "Uh, yes, I am looking for a job, but I came in to take a closer look at the toys in the window. May I? and he reverently picked up the figure of a monkey- like little man who appeared to be dancing a jig. When I was a child I had a toy just like this, and before today I’ve never seen another like it. Is it for sale?" For the moment he forgot that the few cents he had in his pocket was his only hope of a meal today.

Oh, yes, those toys are all for sale. But you know they’re hand made and quite expensive. As a matter of fact, they’re part of an order which has not been completed yet. With a veiled glance at his well worn shoes and faded shirt, she guessed that he had little money. Would you like to see some others? I’ll get them from the workroom. As she turned to go, he reached out to stop her.

Did you say the master is looking for an apprentice? Is that the kind of job that is available? Could I talk to him? Unintentionally, his choice of words rather than his accent revealed his origin.

Of course. He’s back in the shop. If you’ll wait here, I’ll call him.

She slipped through the shop door with a sense of excitement stirring in her breast. She could not identify the emotion that had engulfed her because she had never experienced it before. But the flash of recognition that had passed so swiftly between the two young people had shaken her. She desperately wanted to have this young man to stay in town, and she knew that her father could make it happen.

Papa, she called and a giant of a man emerged from the back room in answer to her summons. Oh, Papa, there you are. There’s a young man out front who wants to see you. Perhaps he will be interested in the job you have to offer. The hint of a smile briefly illuminated her eyes. He looks like he hasn’t eaten for a while but is so busy admiring the toys that I’m not sure he knows he’s hungry!

Her father gave her a startled look. Such a man who is more interested in good workmanship than in his stomach is hard to find! Ach, yes. He is worth talking to, Daughter. He strode to the door and flung it open. Come in, young man. Are you looking for a job? Or are you just being curious? But first, tell us your name. He thrust his hand out in friendship, and as John grasped it he realized that for such a beefy man, the hand, though strong, was well formed and sensitive. Much like his own, as a matter of fact.

Thank you sir. My name is John Holt, and yes, I am interested in a job. To be truthful, I really need one badly. Did you make the toys on the shelves out there? He jerked his head toward the storefront. They are just like some I had when I was a child.

"Yah, I make them out here in my shop. I make many objects which are useful and needed by my neighbors, but I make the toys for pleasure – my pleasure as well as for the kinder who will play with them." Still grasping John’s hand, he introduced himself.

My name is Albert Waggoner and this is my daughter Louise. Do you know anything about working with metal?

Not much, sir. But I could learn. I know how to farm and I’ve worked as a lumberjack, but I’d like to learn a trade. Would you take me on as your apprentice? John had felt an instant liking for the huge but gentle man, and could sense the artist in his soul. Suddenly he knew that he could not only work with this man congenially, but that he would find great satisfaction in putting his own abilities to the test, partly to be able to gain his approval.

Come. Albert gestured to John to follow him. He led him to the back of the large room which was his workshop. You see here is my hearth, my forge, my molds and my worktable where I plate and paint my toys. You will learn. He pointed to the open yard behind his shop. There I have an open hearth and anvil where I work as farrior, and many farmers bring their horses to me to be shod. He looked contentedly about his shop. I have no lack of business.

He turned and looked at the young man for a long moment, appraising him not only for appearance, but appearing to make an effort to read his sincerity. I like what I see, he announced bluntly. But you must understand that my work takes a strong body, a will to work hard, and a wish to learn that drives a man to put forth great effort. I cannot use a lazy man in my shop. Do you still wish to work for me?

John could not contain his enthusiasm. Please sir, let me have a chance to prove to you that I am the man you are looking for. I know I can do it.

Albert slowly nodded his great head. I too think you can do it. If you have the necessary knack as well as the desire, you will learn. Now, he continued, I wish to know about you. Where do you come from, and why have you come to our little town? I do not remember seeing you around here before now.

I came from Germany six years ago, and settled in the northern part of Michigan. The only jobs available were either in farming or lumbering, and I didn’t want to spend my life in either one of those occupations. So I set out to find something which would give me more satisfaction, and perhaps a better future. I believe I have found it here. His eyes again traveled about the shop as if seeing his future, then came to rest on Louise. Your daughter and yourself have convinced me that this is a town where I would be welcome, and could perhaps make myself useful.

Satisfied, Albert again stuck out his hand. You will be here early tomorrow morning and we will start. Do you have a place to sleep?

No, sir. Is there a rooming house nearby that might put me up?

Papa, Mrs. Damon lets rooms and also serves meals for boarders. Perhaps he might find a room there?

Yah, that is a good idea. Her house is just two blocks down the street. If you will give me a hand here to finish up a small job, I will take you there and tell her you will be working for me.

And so it was that John Holt became a resident of the town of Little Rapids, and found his place in the world.

From the beginning, the two men were congenial and worked well together. John was quick to learn, and proved quickly that he was anything but lazy. Albert found that he was not only a careful worker, but soon began to see things to do before Albert pointed them out to him. He was also creative, sometimes finding ways to increase the efficiency of the work and greatly pleasing his employer. Best of all, he found great satisfaction in learning the trade, and knew that this was where he belonged.

He was not only attentive to his work, but also very aware of Louise. Their friendship blossomed, and though he attracted the attention of many of the town’s marriageable girls, he had no eyes for any but Louise. However, he was very careful in his attentions to her, for she was the only daughter of Albert and his good wife, Katherine, and they were clearly very watchful of her friends. He was a welcome guest in their home. Having had a very proper grandmother who demanded respect from her grandsons, he had learned to handle himself with decorum. Though greatly attracted to her, he patiently awaited the time when he would be sure that his attentions were approved by her parents as well as by Louise, herself.

It took two years to make him comfortable in declaring his intentions. The work in the shop went well, and the relationship between the two men grew in mutual respect. John became a favorite with Katherine as well as Albert, and between John and Louise there was an unspoken understanding. When he finally asked Albert for his daughter’s hand, the response warmed his heart.

Yah, you are like a son already, and her mother and I believe that you will make a good husband for our daughter. It was a good day that brought you to our town and into my shop. Yah, he repeated with great satisfaction, I believe this is good! And his wife made her feelings known by an unusual burst of affection as she hugged both John and Louise.

They were married in a beautiful little church where the Waggoner family attended. It had a tall, graceful spire, and inside were beautiful hand embroidered cushions for the altar and the kneeling benches, and the windows were made of lovely stained glass with pictures of Bible characters and stories adorning them. The pastor wore expensive robes and preached well-studied and perfectly worded sermons, but there was little to be learned from them. However, the ceremony was solemn and impressive and John and Louise were happy.

John moved into the spacious two story house as one of the family. In the two years since he had come sauntering down Main Street, he had become known and liked in the small town. The speed and skill with which he learned the trade from Albert was not unnoticed either, and it earned him the respect of his peers. Albert’s friends considered him very fortunate to have found an apprentice who so quickly became a real asset to the business as well as to the community.

In a short time, John began building a home just two blocks from the shop. Albert had given the young couple the property as a wedding present, and though he loved his in-laws, John was anxious to establish his own home. Both he and Louise wanted to have a family, and wanted to finish their house in plenty of time to be ready when it came. However, the house was readied, they furnished it with children in mind, and they waited. And they waited some more. For almost two years they waited. Finally with great joy Louise told him that she was pregnant.

Their joy was short-lived. Within three months they mourned the loss of a child when Louise had a miscarriage. The doctor tried to comfort them by telling them to just wait a while and try again. But the years passed and when they had been married for five years, they lost hope.

John tried to comfort Louise but his own bitterness made it awkward. Louise silently mourned, and their communications became strained. John would not blame his wife for their failure, and he was absolutely positive it was not his fault. That left only one person to blame – God. If God was really there (which he doubted) He could do something about their empty nursery. But obviously God didn’t care about such things, so it was a waste of time to even think about Him.

Soon after their fourth anniversary, tragedy struck the family. Albert, the gentle giant, suffered a sudden heart attack and the family was broken hearted. This event, and the sorrow that it brought, further convinced John that God probably didn’t exist. So he turned his attention to the family business affairs, which were now his responsibility.

Since Katherine was now alone in her own big house, Louise and John were glad that they had built their home so close. Then, while they were still adjusting to the loss of their beloved Albert, Louise suddenly found herself again pregnant. Was this the miracle they had been waiting for? Their waiting was a mixture of despair and hope. Then the long awaited miracle happened and the twins made their appearance. They were just what was needed to comfort the bereaved grandmother and to bring life and laughter to the house that had been built for children.

John would never forget the moment he first looked into the faces of the two little girls, both at that moment screwed up in demanding squalls which were music to his